Franklin: New theatre to open next month

FRANKLIN — The Franklin Performing Arts Company raises the curtain on its 200-seat downtown theater next month, kicking off a new season of shows.

The black box style venue at 15 West Central St. has a flexible performance space in which both stage and seating can change from show to show. FPAC plans for the theater to stage new productions, host receptions and corporate events and serve as a venue for musicians.

"THE BLACK BOX" celebrates its grand opening on Sept. 20, though the theater will remain "a work in progress," said FPAC Executive Director Raye Lynn Mercer.

Much of the interior transformation will be complete. Through the fall, the advanced lighting and audio systems are to be installed and work on the exterior design – including a marquee — will commence. The first phase of construction costs about $600,000, paid for using funds from the company’s foundation.

"We’re looking forward to having a place our company can call home," Mercer said. "It opens up the opportunity for new, creative ideas."

Excitement about the theater has spread throughout the downtown, she noted: "We will need the town’s support to make this successful."

The Sept. 20 event at THE BLACK BOX will be FPAC’s annual gala highlighted by a performance from actress Beth Leavel, who won a Tony Award for the 1989 musical "The Drowsy Chaperone," and Broadway star Alexander Gemignani.

On Sept. 21, the company has planned an open house, inviting the public to tour the venue.

FPAC opens its season and first year in THE BLACK BOX with "Peter Pan," a musical adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s 1904 play and 1911 novel. The musical will run from Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 24-26.

Later in the fall, the theater will feature a run of New England musicians, including Ayla Brown.

The events, Mercer said, are sure to draw more people from outside the area to the downtown.

"We hope this will become an economic driver for the downtown," she said.

For more information about future productions at the theater, visit fpaconline.com or call 508-528-8668.